Every electronic gadget contains a networking cable. At times this signal becomes low and at times it becomes high, the higher the better. But this network becomes low when the signal passes from the source to the consumption point. The intensity reduces in this and this reduction or loss of signal strength is known as attenuation. Let us study about this in detail.
Decoding Attenuation:
The term refers to the loss or reduction of signal strength of a networking or electrical system while in transmission. The amount of attenuation is given as a ratio of input and output parameters under respective conditions. In simple words, it refers to the loss of electrical parameters of an electronic signal or wave. It is the impedance that triggers the attenuation. Greater impedance means higher attenuation.
How to measure attenuation?
The term is measured in decibels (dB) here dB is described as a logarithmic unit which explains how exactly two measurements relate. The equation used for measurement is:
∇X (dB) = 10log (X2/X1)
Where,
∇X refers to the Disparity in measurement
X1 and X2= Two dissimilar measured values of distance X
Other two ways to measure attenuation would be the power ratio method and the voltage ratio method. These two methods prove to be accurate and offer correct results. The formula of the power ratio method is,
Ap = 10log10 (PIN/ POUT)
Where,
Ap stands for power attenuation
PIN stands for Input Power
POUT stands for Output Power of the Transmission Line
Now coming to the voltage ratio method. The formula for the same is,
AV = 10log10 (VIN / VOUT)
Where,
Av stands for Voltage attenuation
VIN stands for Input voltage
VOUT stands for Output voltage
VT stands for Transmitter Voltage
VR stands for Receiver voltage
VS stands for the Source voltage
VD stands for Destination voltage
Attenuation affecting networking:
Whenever there is attenuation in networking, a normal transmission of an email becomes difficult. So it is a really big problem. This harms every single way of communication. The following reasons for this can be:
- Wire size: The size of wires matters a lot here. The thicker wire would mean less attenuation and the thinner wire would lead to high attenuation. So it is important to use good wires in the first go.
- Range: In long distances, everything gets lost and the same goes for the network. Transmission gets dispersed over long distances no matter how good the wires are.
- Interference: Any kind of interference becomes a problem in networking. Interferences like radio causes attenuation.
Not just network, Attenuation affects optical fiber. Optical fiber is an important component in communication systems. It carries signals over long distances. In the modern world, it helps in connecting two different countries or worlds. But sadly even the most efficient optical fiber is not safe from attenuation.
Attenuation affecting optical fiber:
The loss of optical power happens when light is transmitted via the fiber optic. This can be caused by absorption, bending, and scattering. Let us talk about them in detail:
- Absorption loss: This loss happens due to the optical fiber fabrication method. It can also happen due to the material used. The glass fiber is pretty clean but there remains some contamination after cleaning and this contamination leads to power dissipation.
- Scattering: This is one of the reasons for attention. This happens when there are fluctuations in the light density in the cable of optical fiber.
- Bending: These tiny bends are normal and easily found. These bends caused due to improper cabling, external forces, and irregular coating. These bends then lead to attenuation.
The formula to calculate the same will be,
Aoptical – fiber = 10log10 (p1/p2)
Where
A Optical-fiber stands for optical fiber attenuation
PI stands for optical input power
PO stands for optical output power
Kind of attenuation:
In total, there are three types of attenuation which are deliberate, automatic, and environmental. Let us discuss them in detail:
- Automatic attenuation: this is a feature that is found in audio devices and TVs to prevent sound distortion via automatic level sensing.
- Deliberate attenuation: this type is done on a deliberate level when sound is adjusted in a device (to control sound or volume as per requirement)
- Environmental attenuation: this means a reduction in volume, mass, toxicity, and mobility of contaminants without any intervention of humans.
How can attenuation be resolved?
- By increasing the signal power: One of the most important ways is an increase in signal power. This can be done by using powerful and effective amplifiers, repeaters, and transmitters along the transmission path.
- High frequency: One of the efficient ways to reduce attenuation would be the usage of a higher frequency signal that ensures less susceptibility to scattering and absorption.
- Better transmission medium: Improvement in the quality of the medium solves many problems. If attenuation is caused due to scattering or absorption in the medium then using fiber-optic cables can solve this problem.
- Reduce interference: Interference is one of the most common problems that leads to attenuation. It is vital to use techniques like shielding, frequency hopping techniques, filtering, and interference.
- Optimization of transmission path: In many situations, Optimization of the path of the signal prevents attenuation. For example, using better line-of-sight paths or directional antennas can improve the strength of the signal.
For telecommunication, attenuation is an important and given factor. One can not get away from it. This is a process that will surely happen every time. It is an inherent process. This can not be removed completely. It can only be reduced with the help of the above-mentioned measures. Measures like signal regeneration, using good quality wire, or selecting a medium with lower resistance to signal transmission can solve and prevent the problem for a long time. Good quality transmissions and wires should be opted for by all. Thus, if one wants dependable and efficient communication then it is vital to comprehend attenuation and its effects on signal transmission.
